Soarin’ is getting an all-new film for the first time in a decade. Soarin’ Across America replaces Soarin’ Around the World at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure in summer 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Here is everything confirmed so far: opening dates, what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how to plan your visit.
Opening Dates
| Park | Opens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EPCOT (Walt Disney World) | May 26, 2026 | One day after Memorial Day. Part of Cool Kids’ Summer kickoff. |
| Disney California Adventure (Disneyland) | July 2, 2026 | Two days before Independence Day. |
Soarin’ Around the World will have its final day at EPCOT on May 13, 2026. The attraction will close May 14 for the changeover, reopening as Soarin’ Across America on May 26.
What Is Soarin’ Across America?
Soarin’ Across America is a new ride film that takes guests on a simulated hang-glider flight across the United States, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. It is part of a broader campaign called “Disney Celebrates America” marking the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
Walt Disney Imagineering filmed more than a dozen locations across the country for the new flight. The Grand Canyon has been confirmed as one of the featured locations, with behind-the-scenes footage showing helicopter and drone filming between the canyon walls.
What’s New
- All-new film. Entirely new footage of American landscapes and cities, replacing the global locations of Soarin’ Around the World.
- New musical score. A new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ theme accompanies the film.
- New scents. Like previous versions, the ride will feature timed scents matched to the scenes on screen.
- Patrick Warburton returns. The iconic pre-show flight attendant “Patrick” is back with a new safety briefing video for the American flight.
What’s Staying the Same
- Same ride system. The IMAX dome screen and hang-glider seating remain unchanged.
- Same ride location. Soarin’ stays in The Land pavilion at EPCOT and Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure.
- Same ride length. Expect a similar ride duration to previous versions (approximately 5 minutes).
- Lightning Lane availability. Soarin’ is expected to remain available on Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Is Soarin’ Across America Permanent?
No. Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ Across America will run for a limited time. No end date has been announced. Based on previous limited-time Soarin’ overlays (Soarin’ Over California ran for approximately 5 months during Disney100), it could run anywhere from several months to a year or more depending on guest reception.
Current Soarin’ Wait Times at EPCOT
Theme Park Shark tracks wait times at EPCOT every 10 minutes. Here are the current averages for Soarin’ Around the World during spring break 2026:
| Time of Day (Eastern) | Average Wait |
|---|---|
| Park Open – 11 AM | 45-55 minutes |
| 11 AM – 2 PM | 65-80 minutes |
| 2 PM – 5 PM | 80-95 minutes |
| 5 PM – Close | 70-85 minutes |
Expect Soarin’ Across America wait times to be significantly higher than these when it first opens, as guests rush to experience the new film. Plan to ride during the first hour of park open or use Lightning Lane.
How to Plan Your Visit
- Visit EPCOT on or after May 26 to experience the new film first. Disney California Adventure doesn’t get it until July 2.
- Ride at park open. The first hour consistently has the lowest Soarin’ waits. This will be even more important when the new film debuts.
- Consider Lightning Lane. Soarin’ wait times already average 65-95 minutes during peak periods. A new film will push these higher.
- Don’t skip Soarin’ Around the World. If you’re visiting before May 13, this is your last chance to experience the current version at EPCOT.
- Check back for wait time data. Theme Park Shark will track Soarin’ Across America wait times from day one and publish updated guides as data becomes available.
Soarin’ History
The original Soarin’ Over California debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and became an instant classic. It was added to EPCOT in 2005. In 2016, both parks switched to Soarin’ Around the World, which replaced the California-specific footage with global destinations including the Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China, and Sydney Harbour.
Soarin’ Across America is the third major film version and the first to focus exclusively on the United States. The ride system and experience format remain the same, only the film, score, and scents change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Soarin’ Across America open?
May 26, 2026 at EPCOT (Walt Disney World) and July 2, 2026 at Disney California Adventure (Disneyland Resort).
When does Soarin’ Around the World close?
The final day for Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT is May 13, 2026. The attraction closes May 14 for the changeover.
Is Soarin’ Across America permanent?
No. Disney has confirmed it will run for a limited time. No end date has been announced.
What locations are featured in Soarin’ Across America?
Disney has confirmed the Grand Canyon as one of more than a dozen filming locations. Additional locations have not been officially revealed but are expected to include iconic American landmarks and natural landscapes.
Is Patrick Warburton in Soarin’ Across America?
Yes. Patrick Warburton returns as the pre-show flight attendant “Patrick” with a new safety briefing for the American flight.
Related Articles
- Disney World Crowd Calendar 2026
- Complete Guide to Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World
- Disney World Ticket Prices 2026
Sources: Walt Disney World official announcements (March 12, 2026), Disney Parks Blog, Wikipedia. Wait time data from Theme Park Shark proprietary tracking system.
